I was struck yesterday by this odd thing that happens up here in northern climes in the first couple of days of spring. Not only do the air and the light suddenly seem fresh and new, it also seems like it's never been like this before. Like we've always bundled up to go out, walked around with our eyes watering and our ears numb. Like soft air and longer days and busy, chirping, nest-building birds are a brand new idea the universe is trying out on us. This feeling passes in a few days, as we get used to lighter coats and sitting on park benches, and then it's just the change of seasons, oh, spring again; and it's a feeling so subtle I don't think I ever put it into words before. But I've sure been feeling it over this last week.